The United States and Japan will step up their defence cooperation to deal with the threat from nuclear-armed North Korea as tensions in East Asia remain high, officials from the two allies said on Thursday.

Aussie banks unite on sticky mouse issue

While US banks celebrate avoiding the fiscal cliff, mice residing in Australia's financial institutions are also squeaking a sigh of relief in 2013.

On Thursday, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Australia announced ANZ, Westpac Corporation, Commonwealth Bank, Virgin Money Australia and Suncorp have introduced policies against the use of glue traps in their offices and branches.

According to PETA, glue traps are devices coated with strong adhesives that can trap small animals, including mice, rats, birds and even kittens, and are prohibited for public use in Victoria, the ACT and Tasmania.

"Once caught in these devices, the animals struggle to escape, becoming more ensnared in the glue," a PETA statement said.

"Death, which can take more than 24 hours, results from exhaustion, shock, dehydration, asphyxiation or blood loss.

"Many animals will chew off their own limbs in an attempt to escape."

Other financial institutions ceasing the use of glue traps include Bank of Queensland, Newcastle Permanent, Citibank, Goldman Sachs and HSBC.